Pumpkin isn’t just for pies and lattes — it’s also a nutritious food that many pets can enjoy. Packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, and beta-carotene, pumpkin can be a safe and healthy addition to the diets of certain pets when offered in moderation. But before scooping out a spoonful for your furry (or fluffy!) friend, it’s important to know which pets can benefit from pumpkin, and how to serve it safely. 

Dogs

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin! Plain, cooked pumpkin (without added sugar, spices, or salt) is often recommended by veterinarians as a natural way to support digestion. A small spoonful can help with both diarrhea and constipation because of its fiber content. Many dogs also love the taste! 

• Safe forms: Plain canned pumpkin (100% pumpkin), steamed or baked pumpkin flesh. 
• Avoid: Pumpkin pie filling, pumpkin with added spices, raw pumpkin skin, and the stem. 
• Serving tip: Start small — 1–2 teaspoons for small dogs, up to a few tablespoons for larger breeds. 

Cats

Yes, cats can eat pumpkin — in small amounts. Pumpkin’s fiber can support digestive health in cats as well, and some veterinarians suggest it for mild constipation or hairball management. Many cats won’t go crazy for pumpkin on its own, but it can be mixed into their food. 

• Safe forms: Plain canned pumpkin or small amounts of cooked pumpkin. 
• Avoid: Pumpkin pie filling, raw pumpkin skin, seeds, and stems. 
• Serving tip: About ½–1 teaspoon mixed into wet food is plenty. 

Rabbits

Rabbits can eat pumpkin, but only as an occasional treat. Pumpkin is high in sugar compared to their normal leafy-green diet, so it should not become a staple food. Rabbits should primarily eat hay, leafy greens, and pellets. 

• Safe forms: Small cubes of raw pumpkin flesh (without seeds or skin). 
• Avoid: Pumpkin seeds, skin, stems, and large quantities of pumpkin (can cause digestive upset). 
• Serving tip: Offer a teaspoon-sized portion once in a while. 

Guinea Pigs

Yes, guinea pigs can eat pumpkin — but moderation is key.
Pumpkin contains vitamin C, which guinea pigs need, but it’s also starchy. Their main diet should remain hay, guinea pig pellets, and fresh leafy vegetables. 

• Safe forms: Raw pumpkin flesh in tiny cubes. 
• Avoid: Seeds, skin, and cooked pumpkin (their digestive systems are not designed for cooked foods). 
• Serving tip: A small bite once or twice a week is enough. 

Hamsters and Gerbils

Hamsters and gerbils can safely enjoy pumpkin as a tasty treat! Both the flesh and seeds are edible and often loved by these little nibblers. Pumpkin seeds, in particular, are a favourite, but they should be offered in moderation since they’re high in fat. 

• Safe forms: Tiny pieces of raw pumpkin flesh and plain pumpkin seeds (unsalted, unroasted). 
• Avoid: Cooked pumpkin, seasoned pumpkin, stems, and large portions (too much can upset their digestion). 
• Serving tip: Offer a pea-sized cube of raw pumpkin flesh or 1–2 seeds as an occasional snack. 

Birds

Birds such as parrots, budgies, and cockatiels can enjoy pumpkin too! The bright orange flesh is rich in vitamins, while the seeds provide healthy fats and protein. Many birds love to crack open the seeds themselves, making it both a nutritious snack and a fun enrichment activity.  

• Safe forms: Raw or cooked pumpkin flesh, plain pumpkin seeds (unsalted, unseasoned). 
• Avoid: Pumpkin pie filling, roasted or salted seeds, stems, and skin. 
• Serving tip: A small cube of pumpkin flesh or a couple of seeds can be offered a few times a week as a treat. 

Ferrets

Ferrets should not eat pumpkin as part of their regular diet. They are obligate carnivores and don’t need plant matter. Some pet parents may use very small amounts for digestive aid under veterinary guidance, but it’s not generally recommended as a staple. 

• Safe forms: None as a regular food — consult a vet before offering. 
• Avoid: All pumpkin products as part of the daily diet. 
• Serving tip: Only offer tiny amounts under veterinary direction. 

Reptiles

Certain reptiles, like bearded dragons, can eat pumpkin occasionally, but it should never be a staple. Pumpkin is high in water and sugar, which can cause digestive issues if fed too often. Their diet should remain primarily greens, insects, or reptile-specific foods depending on the species. 

• Safe forms: Small amounts of raw or cooked pumpkin flesh. 
• Avoid: Large portions, seeds, skin, and any seasoned pumpkin. 
• Serving tip: Offer a tiny cube once in a while as a treat, not a regular food. 

Final Tips for Serving Pumpkin to Pets

• Always introduce new foods gradually. 
• Serve plain pumpkin only — no sugar, spices, or seasoning. 
• Check with your veterinarian before making pumpkin a regular part of your pet’s diet, especially if your pet has health issues. 

Pumpkin can be a healthy, fiber-rich snack for many pets — including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even small animals like hamsters and birds. However, it should only ever be given in moderation and prepared properly. When in doubt, keep it simple and check with your vet before treating your pet to pumpkin.